Position Summary: The Planning Manager supervises and participates in advanced, highly-complex professional planning activities.  The position manages and supervises Planning staff.

Essential Functions

• Performs and manages complex and sensitive professional planning projects, research and analysis.

• Works closely with other departments on highly-sensitive planning and economic development issues.
• Monitors and ensures compliance with local, state and federal laws.
• Oversees specialized planning functions such as large-scale new development proposals, complex zoning proposals, environmental studies and long range planning studies.
• Provides overall management of division-related planning issues.
• Advises the Planning Director on all planning related issues.
• Advises various councils, boards, commissions and elected officials in planning-related issues.
• Serves as liaison and performs all necessary functions in support of Planning Commission and other boards supported by the Department.
• Assigns work to professional staff and ensures appropriate training is provided.
• Evaluates operations and activities of assigned responsibilities.
• Prepares reports on operation and activities, recommending improvements and modifications.
• Handles sensitive personnel matters.
• Participates in budget preparation and administration, monitors and controls expenditures.
• Attends evening and weekend meetings.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications

Education

•  Master's Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in planning, architecture, public administration or a closely related field.

Experience

• Five (5) years of experience in the planning profession is required. 
• Supervisory experience is required.

Any combination of related, education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES
Knowledge of:

• Advanced knowledge of urban planning and development and local government policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of specialization such as housing, zoning, historic preservation, and economic development.
• Knowledge of all pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management.
• Knowledge of budgeting procedures and techniques.
• Knowledge of recent developments, current literature and sources of information related to municipal planning and administration.
• Knowledge of local government procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of citizen involvement techniques and processes.

Ability to:

• Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
• Ability to follow instructions, safety practices and standard operating procedures in performing assigned tasks.
• Ability to be punctual and attend work regularly
• Ability to work effectively with people regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or job type.
• Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to use research methods and statistical principles related to urban growth and development.
• Ability to use methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
• Must possess the ability to provide leadership, assign responsibility, and follow through on jobs to completion.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
• Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively with the general public, City employees at all levels of the organization, and a wide variety of people.
• Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines.

Skills:

• Skill in use of personal computer including Microsoft Office, e-mail, the internet, economic or transportation modeling, database management, or GIS.  
• Must possess skills in personnel supervision, training, and in coordinating operations for assigned area of responsibility.
• Must be innovative, detail-oriented, experienced in highly visible/controversial projects.
• Capable of managing multiple, high-priority assignments.
• Strong interpersonal skills to develop good working relationships at various levels and to resolve complaints.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret research data for reports and apply mathematical techniques in practical solutions.

Other Requirements:

• Must submit to and pass a criminal background check and pre-employment drug test.
• Must possess a valid State of Texas Drivers License Class “C” and good driving record as defined by City policy.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is required.

Work Hours

Regular work hours are Monday through Thursday 7:30 am to 5:30 pm and Friday 7:30 am to 11:30 am with reoccurring evening meetings and occasional weekend events.